Herman student hospitalized after attack

A Herman high school student remains in a London hospital with serious injuries following an attack that took place Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred in the 1900 block of Rossini Boulevard at about 11:20 a.m., said Windsor police Const. Andy Drouillard. “We can confirm an assault took place in an alley,” he said. “The victim, a male in his teens, was transported to hospital, then taken to London with serious injuries.”

Police say two male suspects — both minors — will be charged with assault and aggravated assault. Their names cannot be published due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“This is an important reminder for young people that when they act out violently, it can result in serious injuries and charges,” Drouillard said. “There are definitely serious ramifications to these actions.” Police are continuing to investigate, he said. “We know two individuals approached the victim, there were accusations and then the attack occurred,” Drouillard said.

He could not give a motive for the assault. All parties involved are described as being in their “early teens.” A GoFundMe campaign believed to be connected to the incident has been launched for Jayden Trudell Neroda to help with medical and family expenses due to the victim’s stay at the London hospital. The campaign, started by the boy’s stepfather, said the victim suffered a fractured skull in the attack. Given the incident occurred off school property, responsibility for investigating the attack has fallen primarily in the hands of Windsor police, said Scott Scantlebury, spokesman for the Greater Essex County District School Board. “Obviously when it happens out in the community and you have an alleged potentially serious criminal situation, police are going to handle the investigation,” he said.

“We will also do our own internal school investigation, but the investigation by Windsor police has precedence.”